BLM implements annual winter closures

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO— The Bureau of Land Management Glenwood Springs Field Office begins closing several gates for the winter season on Thursday, December 1. These seasonal closures occur annually to provide crucial big game winter range, protect municipal watersheds, and prevent road damage under muddy conditions. These seasonal closures are from December 1 until April 30, 2006. Closures take effect at several points in the Castle Peak area in Eagle County, East Elk Creek in Garfield County, and on Light Hill and the Crown in Pitkin County.

“The public should also be aware that Transfer Trail will be closed as well,” Field Manager Jamie Connell said. “BLM recognizes that snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in that area and, by closing Transfer Trail, snow conditions can be maintained for those folks.”

All of the areas continue to be open to non-motorized recreation opportunities such as hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and skiing. Please respect your public lands and help reduce disturbance to winter-stressed resident wildlife by abiding by these closures.

For additional information, contact the BLM Glenwood Springs Field Office at (970) 947-2800.

-BLM-